Police Officer Requirements - Louisiana
home >>> how to become a police officer >> police officer requirements by state > Louisiana
Minimum Requirements to be a Police Officer in Louisiana
Published: August 18, 2024
> 4 websites were used to gather the following information <
To become a police officer in Louisiana, candidates must meet specific minimum qualifications and requirements, as set by the Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council.
Below is a summary of these requirements:
Minimum Qualifications
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Driver’s License: Must possess a valid Louisiana driver’s license at the time of appointment.
- Criminal Record: Must have no felony convictions and no disqualifying misdemeanors.
- Moral Character: Must be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation, including fingerprinting and a polygraph test.
- Physical Fitness: Must pass a physical fitness test and a thorough medical examination.
- Drug Screening: Must pass a drug screening test.
Additional Requirements
- Written Examination: Must pass a written examination with a competitive score.
- Oral Interview: Must successfully complete an oral interview as part of the selection process.
- Training: Upon hire, candidates must complete the required State Police Training Academy or another approved police academy program.
These qualifications ensure that all prospective law enforcement officers in Louisiana are adequately prepared to serve and protect their communities effectively.
Do Your Research
While state-level qualifications set the baseline for becoming a police officer, individual police agencies often implement stricter hiring standards to align with their specific needs and values.
These enhanced criteria can include regulations on tattoos, facial hair, background checks, and more.
Additionally, agencies might conduct more rigorous background checks than the state requires, diving deeper into an applicant’s history, including financial records, social media activity, and past behavior, to ensure candidates meet the department's ethical and professional standards.
Be sure to conduct more research into the requirements, qualifications, and disqualifications for specific agencies so that you are well prepared before entering their hiring process.
Related Articles
Pro Tips for Becoming a Police Officer
Minimum and Maximum Ages to be a Police Officer
Let's Weigh the Pros and Cons of Becoming a Police Officer
7 Top Reasons to be a Police Officer (Ultimate Guide)
Sources
- How to Become a Police Officer in Louisiana | How to Become a Police Officer
- Louisiana Police Officer Requirements | Go Law Enforcement
- Louisiana Police Academy Requirements & Qualifications | Outside the Badge
Disclaimer
The requirements and qualifications for becoming a police officer may be subject to change due to updates in state legislation and public safety laws.
We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, we recommend verifying with the relevant state or local law enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with the current standards and requirements.
